The Green Strides Webinar Series acquaints school communities with the tools to reduce their schools’ environmental impact and costs; improve health and wellness; and teach effective environmental literacy, including STEM, green careers, and civic engagement. Find more sessions for educators, facilities managers, and advocates weekly. >>>

“I propose a ‘Fix-It-First’ program to put people to work as soon as possible on our most urgent repairs…And, to make sure taxpayers don’t shoulder the whole burden, I’m also proposing a Partnership to Rebuild America that attracts private capital to upgrade what our businesses need most: modern ports to move our goods, modern pipelines to withstand a storm, modern schools worthy of our children.” >>>

In 2012, ED developed its first plan to improve environmental justice in schools, aiming to ensure that all students have equal access to safe, healthy environments, and environmental education. ED’s work has included taking actions to help address the adverse health and environmental effects that negatively affect student achievement, especially among minority and low-income student populations who are disproportionally exposed to disadvantageous school environments. ED is also encouraging activities that use environmental education to ensure that students of all backgrounds get and stay engaged in traditionally abstract subjects, such as science, technology, engineering and math, where minorities have been historically underrepresented.>>>

On a daily basis, we at ED ask schools across the nation to demonstrate environmental excellence. As the 2012 ED performance report shows, the Department is committed to demonstrating leadership in sustainability. Over the past several years, ED has focused increased attention on its effect on the environment and has taken steps to address it. Agency reports provide an overview of how your agencies are saving taxpayer dollars, reducing carbon emissions, cutting waste and saving energy. This year, the Sustainability Plans for the first time outline how agencies will reduce the vulnerability of their programs, assets, and investments to the effects of climate change, such as sea level rise or more frequent or severe extreme weather.>>>

To help states, districts and schools ensure healthy schools and students, the Department encourages school communities to make use of exciting new provisions of the Affordable Care Act. The health-care law is helping bring more primary-care providers to our neediest school communities. The new law allows students, teachers and parents to focus on the important work of learning, rather than being distracted by the financial burdens of medical care. Youth under the age of 26 can also receive coverage under their parents’ insurance.>>>

The Department recently issued guidelines concerning districts’ obligations to provide athletic opportunities for students with disabilities. Secretary Arne Duncan wrote in a recent blog article, "Students with disabilities are no different – like their peers without disabilities, these students benefit from participating in sports. But unfortunately, we know that students with disabilities are all too often denied the chance to participate and with it, the respect that comes with inclusion. This is simply wrong...">>>

Funds are available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to implement to prevent and control diabetes, heart disease, obesity and associated risk factors and promote school health. The application deadline date is April 19, 2013. More information. >>>